Welcome to the Women's Shelter

"To provide a safe environment for homeless women in crisis and the
necessary resources to build strong and healthy lives."

The Women’s Shelter is an independent, non-profit agency. We have
evolved over the last 30 years from providing basic emergency shelter
for homeless women in Columbia, into a multifaceted organization that now serves the Midlands area with comprehensive programming.

Dedicated staff, volunteers, and licensed professionals work together to provide a comprehensive program to an average of 90 women each year. Residents may participate in this program for up to two years.

During the first three months a woman lives in the primary house with 10 other residents. Here she will find employment, begin to save money, and attend nightly programs. Following these 90 days, residents have the opportunity to progress into our Transitional Housing Program. This program provides affordable housing for two women per housing unit, and further rehabilitation programming for up to two years. Residents begin to deal with long-term issues, such as reuniting with family members, cleaning up financial and legal matters and continuing their education.

Our ultimate goal is to bring about lasting change in the lives of women in crisis; to help them build stronger, more productive lives. It takes tremendous dedication and determination on the part of the resident. Gradually, and at their own pace, residents are reintroduced to society as job-holders (and sometimes even homeowners) who are active and contributing members of the community.

The Women’s Shelter exists because of the generosity and support of individuals, churches and civic groups. More information about our services and how you can help can be found on this website and by emailing us at
kathy@womenshelter.org. You may also read our latest newsletter here on our website. If you would like to be added to our mailing list please email us your name and mailing address. Thank you for your continued support.

Please Consider Donating

This website allows for safe on-line donations.
These secure donations allow us to continue to expand our mission.
Because we are a non-profit organization, financial donations are tax deductible.

Thanks to the generosity of the community the 35th annual Thanksgiving Souper raised $34,012.00. A special thanks to everyone who helped to make the event a souper success.

Help By Donating Phones

Help the shelter by donating your unused cell phones, smart phones, PDA’s, I pod’s, digital cameras, I pad’s , charger’s, and rechargeable cell phone batteries. They can be dropped off at the shelter during business hours 8 am until 5pm.